The Committee provides non-binding advice prior to each Federal Budget on how the Government can increase economic inclusion and reduce disadvantage. Its advice encompasses policy settings, systems and structures, as well as the adequacy, effectiveness and sustainability of income support payments. This report provides 10 recommendations to enhance economic inclusion and to inform the Government’s decision making for the 2025-26 Federal Budget.

Recommendations

1. Substantially increase the base rates of JobSeeker and related working age payments.
2. Commit to a timeframe for full increases in JobSeeker and related payments.
3. Improve indexation arrangements for working age payments.
4. Increase the rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
5. Lift the Remote Area Allowance.
6. Legislate official poverty measures for Australia.
7. Accelerate a full scale rebuilding of Australia’s employment services system.
8. Work with states and territories to implement planning, budgeting and administration reforms to integrate child and maternal health, disability, and early learning services more effectively.
9. The proposed Early Childhood Service Delivery Price should consider the limitations of the current demand-side childcare subsidy scheme and the potential benefits of introducing supply-side funding elements for early childhood funding.
10. Work with states and territories to integrate free access to pre-school for 3- and 4-year-old with the new national entitlement (3 Day Guarantee) proposed for the early education system.